Stars in Progress: Mark Henry, Punk vs Lesnar, Rob Van Dam

Mark Henry – One Step Up

Was it predictable? Yes, by some, not by others. That's not the point. Those of you bragging about predicting Henry's attack on Cena need to get a life.

What made Mark Henry's "retirement" speech last night on Raw so great was the irony of it all. His character was spewing B.S. about retiring to get one over on Cena and the rest of the world, but those tears — those tears were very real.

I can't imagine Henry expected the type of response he received from the live crowd. It was surreal, and I even found myself chanting right along with the Grand Rapids fans.

The story of Henry challenging for the one major title that has escaped his nearly-two-decade career is an easy one to tell. It's believable.

Even the idea of Henry actually beating John Cena for said title isn't too unbelievable in and of itself. One last run before his "real" retirement.

Mark Henry is already a considerable step up and better replacement to challenge Cena than Ryback. Ryback never had a fair shot and fans couldn't invest in his abrupt change of character. Henry, for at least two years now, has been at the highest level of his career. He's a great entertainer, a believable act, and simply, he's a beast.

Last night was a great first step toward a program I expect to be very good. Even Cena's promo last night was fired up and better than normal.

Will Mark Henry's final run include a first (and last) WWE Championship title reign? I wouldn't be surprised either way, but personally, I think it should. Let him win it, not out of some sense of debt toward his career or even respect, but because he deserves it. His character deserves it.

Then, let him give back to the business on his way out by putting over another in need. Take your pick of who that should be, but my first choice would be Daniel Bryan.